Corona Devotionals

I spent a few hours in a bar last Saturday night, and if you know me...you know that I don't frequent bars, but I decided after that night that maybe I should . Nah, not for the alcohol (I  don't drink)  or loud music...but it sure is easy to visit with the people in a bar.  They are approachable and open, and open to Jesus .   The bar was hosting a community-event and as I moved through the crowds and visited with people that I knew and people that I didn't...God made it easy to share about Him. At one table I reminisced with a husband and wife that I hadn't seen in ten years, about when our children played soccer together in elementary school.  I thanked the dad who used to provide free foot-skill training for our kids on Summer mornings.  I let him know (the truth) that it had made a difference in the abilities of our children.  I saw his eyes moisten, and he thanked me for sharing that and said that it made his night.   What if we re...

What are we doing with our lemons?   Lemons are so  sour.  Bitter.  To taste a lemon in its raw form causes our face to contort and our taste buds to revolt at their tart acidity.    When life  gives us lemons...what are we doing with them?   When life (circumstance/diagnosis/grief/sorrow/ reality )  in its raw form causes our heart and our spirit to contort, and our hope to revolt...what do we do? What are we doing with our life-lemons today?    The  Lord  himself goes before you and will be with you;  he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”  ~Deuteronomy 31:8 ~~~ I've attended hundreds of soccer games for my kids over the years, but today I was blessed (for the first time) to sit in the stands for a power soccer  game...which is played by people confined to wheelchairs.   The wheelchairs are automatic (and fast!), and are outfitted with ...

Sin.  Consequence.  Discipline.  Justice. ~~~ I can remember occurrences back in grade school when a few kids would break the rules or abuse privileges in the school day, and then our whole class would have to pay the price and miss recess.   Sometimes the behavior and errors of others can affect us directly. And in Ohio, most middle schools will take a field trip to Washington D.C. to see the monuments, buildings, and offices that hold such meaning and foundation for our Nation.  But I know of at least one middle school class that was so irreverent, disobedient, and wild- that the entire class trip to D.C. was cancelled that year. Sometimes the behavior and errors of others can affect us directly. Such is sin and it's effects and affects over us and others.   To be sure-- we are sinful --every one of us.   ...for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,  ~Romans 3:23 First--we must accept  our sinfullness, and ...

Many seek the ruler’s favor,  but justice comes from the  Lord . ( 27)  The righteous despise the unjust;  the wicked despise the godly.  ~Proverbs 29:26-27 ~~~ Many seek the ruler’s favor...  ~Proverbs 29:26 Do we know those that are seeking the rules favor ?  We know  who they are.  The teacher's pet.  The coach's favorite.  The kiss-up.  The one who is always seeking the favor  of the one in charge.   These people are exhausting.  Do we know one? Or... are WE one?  Are we exhausted in seeking favor from those around us?  Do we try and try and try  to gain acceptance, approval, and favor  from those that we view as rulers over us? Be freed of these exhaustive measures, Brothers and Sisters.   Many seek the ruler’s favor,  but justice comes from the  Lord ( Proverbs 29:26). ~~~ Justice comes from the  Lord ... have we felt it?   The blessing.  The ...